Saddled and Spurred (Blacktop Cowboys 2)

“Not hardly,” Renner drawled. “We’re dead-ass serious.”

“Why me?”

“Because like Renner said, you’ve got it.”

“What’s it?”

“That elusive fashionability and sense of style that makes you look totally put together whether you’re dressed to the nines or wearing flannel. And you’re approachable.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “Approachable? As opposed to what?”

“Darlin’, you’re a stunning woman. But I’ll be honest. Most women who look like you?” Renner shook his head. “They tend to be first-class bitches instead of first-class ladies.”

Another blush arose. They were really slathering on the flattery. But they seemed sincere. She fought her excitement because chances like this never came her way. Never.

“Today when you showed me your outfit and told me how much you paid for it? It occurred to me that mixing vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories, with new clothes, shoes, and accessories would be a unique angle for our retail store.”

“And I concurred,” Renner said.

“You’ve got my vote. But again . . . why me? I don’t have a degree in marketing or business management. I’m not qualified.”

Renner tipped his head, studying her from beneath the brim of his black Stetson. “There’s more to runnin’ a business than havin’ a piece of paper framed on your wall that says you passed some classes. I ain’t sayin’ this because I’m some freaky kind of stalker, but I’ve watched you. When I came into the nail salon, you went out of your way to make me feel comfortable. Here in the bar, you know everyone. Everyone likes you. I’ve heard there was some nasty family business you’ve had to overcome in this small town, and it appears to me you have. It ain’t easy dealin’ with people from all walks of life, and from what I’ve seen, you excel at it. When Janie told me you’ve got mad sales skills and experience working in Western retail? In my mind you’re more than qualified. You’re perfect. I’d love to have you part of my team.”

Breathe. Don’t forget to breathe.

“Plus, I know you’re a hard worker. You’d be surprised how many people with fancy degrees aren’t willin’ to get their hands dirty. You are. I admire that.”

“Ah. Thank you.”

“Renner has final approval over every aspect of the resort,” Janie pointed out, “but you’d be working directly with me for the retail division.”

She couldn’t have been more shocked than if she’d won the lottery. “If you’re serious . . . what’s the catch?”

Janie and Renner exchanged another look. Which meant there was a catch. “Tell me.”

“First, what we’ve talked about here tonight is top secret. I don’t want anyone to hear what we’ve planned until I’m sure we can pull it off.”

“You mean everything about the resort? Or just the retail end?”

“Just the retail side.”

“I can keep a secret.”

“Good.” Renner made wet rings with the bottom of his beer bottle on the table and gestured for Janie to steer the conversation.

“The other thing—and this is imperative, a nonnegotiable point of employment. I’ll need you to live on-site in the temporary housing and be available twenty-four hours a day while we’re under construction.”

Harper looked at Janie. “Is that where you’re living?”

“Yes. Renner set up six different trailers for the various crew members. I have my own trailer, but if you accept the job, we’d be roomies, since we’re the only women. For now.” She sent a quick look at Renner when he scowled. “Tierney will take over general oversight responsibilities once we’re up and running.”

“Who’s Tierney?”

“Tierney Pratt is my business partner’s daughter. She’s a little spy and problem child, who’ll report everything back to Daddy Dearest. Tierney also holds four or five of them worthless degrees I spoke of.”

“Tierney isn’t our problem. Time is.” Janie sank back in the booth and drained her drink. “We are targeting our opening date for hunting season. October first.”

“Opening what part?”

“Everything. The lodge. The stores. The bunkhouses.”

Her eyes widened. “That’s only five months away. Won’t it be impossible to build a luxury lodge, a spa, and retail space in such a short amount of time?”

Renner met her gaze. “Yes. But that’s our deadline. If I don’t get it done, I forfeit the land, the buildings—everything—to my business partner. That was the devil’s bargain I signed.”

Harper noticed the exhaustion etched on his face. She glanced at his hands. They were in the same raw shape as a few months back.

“It’ll be damn tight to finish, even with crews workin’ around the clock. So it’s crucial that my staff is on hand for any major or minor issues, at all times of the day and night.”

“Are they all sworn to a vow of silence too?”

Janie nodded. “The construction guys are a traveling crew. They’re not real social, but we didn’t hire them for their people skills. Not like the reason we’re offering you a job.”

Harper blinked in total disbelief. “I don’t know what to say. In the last day, my life, and whatever plans I had, have fallen apart. And now? To be offered a chance at a real career, not just a job?” Harper squinted at the empty lowball glass and muttered, “I’m afraid I’m passed out in my bed dreaming.”